The resumption of operations at the Cochin International Airport yesterday marked a significant step in Kerala’s efforts to recover from the floods that ravaged the south Indian state. Clean-up and reconstruction efforts are underway on a war-footing and the re-opening of the airport will go a long way to bringing normality to the state. The airport, the seventh busiest in the country, had suspended flights from August 12 due to the worst flooding in a century that swamped Kerala. Incessant rains damaged the perimeter wall and flooded the airport — the first in the world to run on solar power. The runway, taxiway, parking bays and apron area were all affected by the incessant rain, and the airport suffered an estimated loss of more than Dh130 million.
Operations were initially scheduled to resume on August 26, but it was delayed since airport officials were unable to mobilise the staff. A large number of employees and their families were affected by the floods, and many of them were unable to report for duty. Runway lights, solar panels and power storage facilities had to be repaired and dry runs were required to ensure a smooth operation.
A lifeline for the state’s commercial hub of Kochi, the airport receives the bulk of its international passengers from the Gulf countries. The resumption of flights must have come as a massive relief for expatriates holidaying in their home state. With the school summer vacations coming to a close, Keralites working in the Gulf will be eager to return in time for the school reopening. Airports at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode could share the burden, but the majority of the Gulf-bound passengers and air freight comes through Kochi. The airport’s reopening is a clear signal that Kerala is on the path to recovery.
